Curriculum
We are an authorized Primary Years Program (PYP) International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) World School.
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a nonprofit educational foundation that provides a globally recognized framework for academic excellence. Its programs emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, and exposure to diverse perspectives, fostering intercultural understanding, respect, and appreciation for others. Implemented in schools around the world, the IB curriculum is recognized and valued by leading colleges and universities internationally.
The International Baccalaureate programs nurture students' intellectual, social, emotional, and cultural development. Through inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to think critically, make meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply creative problem-solving skills to real-world challenges. They develop a deep understanding of their own culture while gaining an appreciation for the perspectives, values, and traditions of others.
An IB education prepares students to become knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaged global citizens who are well-equipped for success in higher education and beyond. As a result, graduates of IB programs are highly regarded by colleges and universities worldwide for their academic preparation, curiosity, and commitment to lifelong learning.
For more information about the IB Organization and education, click here.
PYP (Grades k- 5)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a transdisciplinary framework for international education designed to develop the whole child. More than an academic program, the PYP nurtures students' intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and cultural growth, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Grounded in educational research and international best practices, the PYP provides a relevant, engaging, challenging, and meaningful learning experience for every student. Through inquiry-based instruction, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, collaborate with others, and make connections between their learning and the world around them.
The PYP curriculum is built around five essential elements that work together to support student growth: conceptual understanding, knowledge, approaches to learning (skills), positive attitudes, and responsible action. Learning is organized through six transdisciplinary themes of global significance that integrate all subject areas, enabling students to explore important concepts from multiple perspectives while making authentic, real-world connections.
Throughout the school year, students engage in six in-depth Units of Inquiry centered on the PYP's transdisciplinary themes:
Who We Are
Where We Are in Place and Time
How We Express Ourselves
How the World Works
How We Organize Ourselves
Sharing the Planet
By exploring these themes across all academic disciplines, students develop a deep understanding of concepts, strengthen critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and become knowledgeable, caring, and internationally minded individuals who are prepared to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.
To access our school's Program of Inquiry, please click here.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
The HDS middle school curriculum contains ten subject groups naturally integrated in an transdisciplinary approach.
Language Arts
Humanities/Social Studies and History
Mathematics
Science
Spanish
Honors Spanish (6th thru 8th grade)
Wellness/Fitness
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
STEM (6th & 7th Grades)
Students explore each subject through multiple perspectives, developing a deeper understanding of concepts and their connections across disciplines. This approach prepares them to meet the evolving opportunities and challenges of the twenty-first century with confidence and purpose.
Our curriculum is intentionally designed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Through inquiry, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences, students become active, responsible, and compassionate global citizens who are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Technology
Technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the Hickory Day School curriculum as a meaningful tool to enhance teaching, learning, and creativity. Students engage with a variety of industry-leading digital resources, including Google Workspace, Code.org, EduTyping, Book Creator, Tinkercad, and many other educational applications that help build the technological skills needed for success in an ever-evolving digital world. To support learning across all grades, classrooms also have access to mobile tablet and laptop carts, providing flexible opportunities for technology-rich instruction.
STEM
STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is an integral part of the Hickory Day School curriculum and reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future. Through hands-on, project-based learning experiences, students apply their knowledge to solve authentic problems, think creatively, and collaborate with their peers.
Our STEM program emphasizes the Four Cs of 21st Century Learning—Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Communication—while encouraging innovation, inquiry, and perseverance. Integrated throughout both the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and our Middle School curriculum, STEM experiences empower students to become confident problem-solvers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners who are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The Arts
Throughout the school year, the Visual Arts teacher collaborates closely with Primary Years Programme (PYP) classroom teachers to design meaningful learning experiences that connect the arts with each Unit of Inquiry. Students create artwork that enriches their classroom learning while meeting the objectives of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. By integrating the visual arts across the curriculum, students deepen their understanding of key concepts, express their creativity, and make meaningful connections between disciplines.
The performing arts are also an integral part of the Hickory Day School experience. Each year, all students participate in two major productions, providing opportunities to develop confidence, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills. Through these performances, students gain hands-on experience with technical theater, music, and stage production while discovering the powerful role the arts play in storytelling, self-expression, and community.
Spanish
The Spanish program at Hickory Day School provides students with meaningful opportunities to develop and strengthen their communication skills while fostering an appreciation for Spanish language and culture. Through engaging, age-appropriate instruction, students build proficiency in the four essential language domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and learn to apply these skills in authentic, real-world contexts.
The goal of our Spanish program is for students to become confident, conversational Spanish speakers by the time they complete eighth grade. As a result of this strong language foundation, many Hickory Day School graduates place out of introductory high school Spanish courses and begin their language studies at more advanced levels..
Wellness
All Hickory Day School students participate in daily wellness instruction designed to promote healthy habits, physical development, and overall well-being. Located on a beautiful 16-acre campus with multiple playing fields and outdoor spaces, HDS provides students with abundant opportunities to engage in a variety of physical activities and develop a lifelong appreciation for an active lifestyle.
Our wellness program encourages students to understand the importance of physical fitness, personal health, and responsible decision-making. Through a wide range of age-appropriate activities and games, students strengthen their motor skills while building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. The program also emphasizes essential social skills, including teamwork, cooperation, communication, and reflection, helping students develop the skills needed to make healthy choices and contribute positively to their community.
